积雪 (jī xuě) literally combines 积 (jī), meaning 'to accumulate' or 'to pile up', and 雪 (xuě), meaning 'snow'. Together, it refers to snow that has fallen and built up on the ground—especially in noticeable, often deep layers—due to cold temperatures and lack of melting or removal. It’s commonly used in weather reports, travel advisories, and descriptions of winter landscapes.

This term emphasizes the physical presence and accumulation of snow rather than just its falling state (which would be 下雪 xià xuě). You’ll encounter 积雪 most often when discussing road conditions, mountain terrain, agricultural impacts, or seasonal scenery—such as snowdrifts along roadsides, rooftops, or forest floors after a heavy snowfall. Unlike generic terms like 雪, 积雪 carries an implicit sense of duration, depth, and sometimes obstruction.